10 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Building

Submitted by Anne Berlin on Thu, 08/05/2010 - 10:39
  1.  Order all lighting, hardware and non stocked tile and carpets well in advance of your project needs.  It’s cheaper to store items than pay for subcontractors to come back waiting on one item to finish.
  2. Inspect everything:  make sure any ordered items are the right finish and quantity/size before the return window closes.  Sometimes these can be as short as 10 days or less.
  3. Alert your builder to the thickness of any floor finishes to ensure flush transitions between rooms.
  4. Request blocking for any drapery, mirrors, large art pieces, and bathroom hardware to ensure ease of install.  Document these before the sheet rock goes up.
  5. Make regular visits to the job site to ensure there are no surprises.  If you come at the same time your builder frequently plans ahead and has the questions ready to keep him moving till your next visit.
  6. Document all your finish selections and major changes.  Nothing ruins a relationship like he said/she said.
  7. Know the size of the junction box needed for all lighting fixtures as well as the length of cord needed, and the hanging heights for chandeliers before your electrician starts.
  8. Do not overlook the continuity of metal finishes when selecting hardware, lighting and plumbing- especially any exposed plumbing connections.
  9. Request a cutting or sample for approval on everything going into your home.  It may take an extra day on the front end, but eliminates nasty surprises that lead to expensive delays in removal or reordering. 
  10. Carry a zip lock bag with swatches, color chips and finishes for making informed decisions on site or when you come across a deal while out shopping.